maderites

Maderites refers to the supporters of António de Oliveira Salazar and his authoritarian Estado Novo regime in Portugal, which lasted from 1933 to 1974. The term originates from "Madeira," Salazar's island of birth. While Salazar was born in Santa Comba Dão, the label "Maderite" was sometimes used, often pejoratively, to imply a connection to or origin from the autonomous region of Madeira.

Supporters of the Estado Novo encompassed a broad spectrum of individuals and groups who believed in the principles of Salazar's corporatist, nationalist, and conservative ideology. This included elements of the military, the Catholic Church, traditional elites, and segments of the middle and working classes who favored stability and order over political pluralism and perceived communist or liberal threats. The regime emphasized national unity, Catholic values, and a hierarchical social structure.

The ideology promoted by Maderites was characterized by a strong sense of Portuguese identity and a desire to maintain colonial possessions. They often viewed democracy and liberalism as divisive and destabilizing forces. While the regime was authoritarian, it presented itself as a paternalistic force dedicated to the well-being of the nation and its people, albeit within a strictly controlled framework. The term "Maderite" is less commonly used today, with the focus shifting to discussions of the Estado Novo regime and its broader societal impact.